... My experience has been to talk openly (but not too openly) with newspaper reporters. I've yet to meet one who wasn't on the up-and-up. They're also ferocious drinkers and don't like paying. Watch out, they're wiley bastards who'll resort to any means to keep from paying the tab. Also, keep them to beer. It's cheaper.

Magazine writers should be given the "I'm proud to be here, etc." line. These guys usually have an angle to whatever story they're writing -an angle you will not be aware of until the piece is published. You don't have to worry about seeing these guys too much. They usually hang out with the upper echelons, who are much more adept at handling them.



Avoid TV reporters at all costs unless you want to say hi to your mom. TV people are almost always out for themselves and their interest in your existence is entirely dependent on whether you'll make them look good. They're out to make a name for themselves, and will stab you in the back if it helps out their career. There's one addendum to this: If it's a local TV outfit, you should be okay.



Also, when it comes to TV, make sure you look cool. When people see you, they're forming a judgement on the entire military by your appearance, so at least look cool and confident on camera. Study Clint Eastwood films for a primer. Keep your words brief and to the point. Again, the "I'm here to do a job, blah, blah, blah" should apply. TV people don't hang around long enough to have a drink with you, so you don't have to worry about them.